Coast Guard cutter repatriates 47 Cuban migrants

The crew of the Coast Guard cutter Isaac Mayo repatriated 47 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, on Tuesday.

These repatriations are a result of four separate migrant interdictions at sea in the south Florida Straits. In each instance, the Coast Guard helped secure the U.S. border and prevented these perilous sea voyages from ending in tragedy.

The Coast Guard has observed a steady increase in illegal maritime migration attempts from Cuba to the Southeastern U.S. since the U.S. announcement of improved diplomatic relations with Cuba in December 2014, nearly 14 months ago. In the month of February, 269 Cuban migrants have attempted to reach U.S. shores.